We have a problem. A colossal, wasteful, and frankly, embarrassing problem.
Across Africa, a continent pulsating with raw talent and indomitable spirit, our female athletes are consistently sidelined. They are breaking records, winning hearts, and showcasing world-class skill, yet they are forced to operate in the shadows of an industry that refuses to see their value. We have normalized a system where a young girl with the potential to be the next Asisat Oshoala or Perpetual Nkwocha is told her place is not on the pitch, but in the stands.
The facts are a damning indictment of our current ecosystem. Women’s sports receive a paltry often less than 5% share of media coverage compared to men’s. This isn’t just an oversight; it’s the fuel for a vicious cycle. No visibility means no sponsors. No sponsors mean no funding. No funding means dilapidated infrastructure, no professional leagues, and athletes who must choose between their passion and their survival.
In football, basketball, and rugby, the story is the same: immense talent stifled by a critical lack of investment, structured pathways, and a pervasive culture of gender discrimination. We celebrate our sports heroes, yet we systematically exclude half of our potential champions.
Ahem…
This is a direct challenge to the gatekeepers of African sports, the federation heads, the corporate sponsors, the media executives, the policymakers. Your inaction is not neutrality; it is complicity. You have the power to change the game, yet you remain on the sidelines, waiting for someone else to take the first risk. You speak of marketability while ignoring the data: 84% of sports fans are interested in women’s sports. You are sitting on a commercial goldmine, yet you refuse to dig.
The potential is staggering. A thriving women’s sports industry means new revenue streams from sponsorship and broadcasting, a boom in sports tourism, healthier communities, and empowered young women who see a future for themselves in athletics. This isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a sound business investment you are foolishly ignoring.
Our Mission…
At SKEIYA GROUP , Our powerful Women focused Sports chapter Rise Her Game and the G100 community, we are done waiting. We are not just asking for a seat at the table; we are building a our own. Our passion is fueled by a simple, unwavering belief: the future of African sports is unequivocally female, and it’s time we built an industry worthy of that future.
A critical part of our mission is to architect the commercial viability of women’s sports. This goes beyond simply pushing for investment; it’s about building a self-sustaining economic engine.
Our vision extends far beyond the field. We are building a holistic ecosystem where a woman’s career in sports is not limited to being an athlete. We are pushing for a revolution.
We are passionate because this is about more than trophies and medals. It’s about building a legacy of equality and economic empowerment. It’s about creating role models for the next generation. It’s about telling every young girl with a ball at her feet or a dream in her heart that her ambition is valid, her talent is valuable, and her future in African sports is limitless whether she’s on the field, on the sidelines, or in the boardroom.
The blueprint for change is clear:
1. Direct, targeted funding for female athlete development and women-led sports enterprises.
2. Professionalize women’s leagues with robust governance and marketing.
3. Mandate equitable media coverage to shift public perception.
4. Implement mentorship programs to empower women in leadership, coaching, and off-field careers.
5. Shatter socio-cultural barriers through community outreach and grassroots programs.
The time for talk is over. The era of passive observation has ended. We at SKEIYA, with our partners, are building, educating, and rising. We are building a commercially powerful, inclusive, and unstoppable future for women in African sports.
The NOW of African sports is female. It’s time we all started playing for her team.
#RiseHerGame #SKEIYA #G100 #WomenInSports #TheNOWIsFemale